cloak

1 of 2

noun

ˈklōk 

1

: a loose outer garment

2

: something likened to an outer garment: such as

a

: something that envelops or conceals

a cloak of secrecy

b

: a distinctive character or role

hung up his academic cloak … to become a stay-at-home father

—Charles Chamberlain

cloak

2 of 2

verb

cloaked; cloaking; cloaks

transitive verb

: to cover or hide with or as if with a cloak

Synonyms

Noun

• blanket
• cope
• cover
• covering
• coverture
• cover-up
• curtain
• hood
• mantle
• mask
• pall
• penumbra
• robe
• shroud
• veil
• wraps

Verb

• camouflage
• disguise
• dress up
• mask

Choose the Right Synonym for cloak

disguise, cloak, mask mean to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature.

disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity.

disguised herself as a peasant

cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention.

cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy

mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something.

smiling to mask his discontent

Examples of cloak in a Sentence

Noun

Their plans were shrouded in a cloak of secrecy.

the cloak of mystery that surrounds the royal family

Verb

the outlaw nation had cloaked its chemical weapons plant as a fertilizer factory

cloaked their military maneuvers from the outside world

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The pieces on display vary from dark cloaks to Rick Owens–inspired lunar boots to one fat-ass matte black biker helmet. —Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 8 Jan. 2025

For an offshore man of mystery and ill repute, a diplomatic post is a protective cloak that brings with it varying degrees of immunity, not to mention an alternative passport to travel and transact with; a new identity untethered from the past; and a noble (honorable, even) foil. —Atossa Araxia Abrahamian Atossa Araxia Abrahamian, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025

Verb

The Claim Multiple images circulating on social media platforms such as X, formerly Twitter, purported to show the iconic Hollywood Sign cloaked in or surrounded by flames. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Prosecutors said the designation was meant to cloak the true purpose of the payments and help cover up a broader effort to keep voters from hearing unflattering claims about Trump during his first campaign. —Michael R. Sisak and Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English cloke, from Anglo-French cloque bell, cloak, from Medieval Latin clocca bell; from its shape

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1509, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cloak

• cloak-and-dagger
• mourning cloak

Kids Definition

cloak

1 of 2 noun

ˈklōk 

1

: a long loose outer garment

2

: something that conceals or covers

a cloak of secrecy surrounded the talks

cloak

2 of 2 verb

: to cover or hide with a cloak

Etymology

Noun

Middle English cloke "cloak," from early French cloque "cloak, bell"; so named because a cloak resembled a bell in shape — related to clock